Witch Hat Atelier is a Japanese manga series by Kamome Shirahama, published in Morning Two since 2016. The series follows Coco, a girl who dreams of becoming a witch. However, only those born with magical abilities can become witches. After meeting a witch named Qifrey, Coco’s dream comes true. An anime television series adaptation is set to premiere in 2025, and a spin-off series, Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen, began in Morning Two in 2019. In 2020, the series won the Harvey Award for Best Manga and the Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia. Now let’s find out more about Witch Hat Atelier.
Table of Contents
Overview
Coco, a daydreaming daughter of a dressmaker, aspires to become a witch. However, she must give up on her dream due to the fact that only innate magical users can practice and use magic. One day, Coco meets a witch named Qifrey, who teaches her how to use magic through drawing magical runes and using magical ink. Coco accidentally casts a spell that turns her mother into stone, and Qifrey takes her as his apprentice to undo the spell and fulfill her dream.
The Brimmed Caps, a sinister coven, take an extraordinary interest in Coco, hoping she will help revive the free use of magic. The Assembly carefully monitors any abuse of rune magic, even erasing the memories of uninitiated “Outsiders.” As Coco immerses herself in this new world, a sinister plot thickens around her.
In a world where magic spells and dragons are taken for granted, Coco is about to give up on her dream to become a witch. However, she meets Qifrey, a mysterious, traveling magician, and learns that her magical dream may not be as far away as it may seem. With the help of Qifrey and his disciples, Coco embarks on a magical journey to save her mother.
Characters
Let’s delve into the enchanting world of Witch Hat Atelier, where each character brings their own unique charm and mystery to this spellbinding tale of magic and discovery.
Qifrey’s Atelier
Qifrey’s Atelier is a place where child witches, considered outcasts, learn rune magic instead of having their memories erased. Coco, a bright and optimistic girl, dreams of becoming a witch but faces the consequences of her mother turning into stone. She is taken in by Qifrey, who specializes in water magic and is ruthless in his pursuit of vengeance.
Agott, a black-haired girl from the Arklaum family, becomes obsessed with perfecting her magic skills under her own power. Despite initially treating Coco with scorn, she eventually develops a close friendship with her. Tetia, a bright and upbeat girl, aims to make people happy with her magic. Richeh, a gloomy and distant-looking girl, is skilled in crystal magic and specialized in drawing small rune circles. Olruggio, a black-haired witch, lives as a partner and supervisor for the Assembly at Qifrey’s atelier.
Brushbuddy, a fluffy caterpillar-like creature attached to Coco, lives at Qifrey’s atelier as a pet. The Brimmed Cap Group, also known as the Brimmed Caps, is a coven of rogue witches who reject the rules of the Day of the Pact and use Forbidden Magic. They organize into big groups and then divide into smaller groups to conduct their plans.
Iguin, a high-ranking member of the Brimmed Caps, gives Coco the spellbook that turned her mother into stone. Custas, a young minstrel with permanently disabled legs, joins the group and becomes one of Restys’ apprentices. Asaran, a Brimmed Cap who has experimented with transformation magic, is nicknamed “Empty Cloak Witch.” Ininia, an adolescent Brimmed Cap apprentice disguised as a regular witch, and Master Restys, a Brimmed Cap witch, converses with their apprentice Ininia through her staff.
The Witches’ Assembly
The Witches’ Assembly is a community in Coco’s world that governs the use of magic, its spread, and its secrecy. It is located in an underwater city called the Great Hall and is financed by the Five Kingdoms of the Zozah Peninsula. The Assembly has various members, including Alaira, Beldaruit, Vinanna, Lagrah, Sinocia, Kukrow, Ririfin, Adina Arklaum, Atwert, Galga, Hiehart, Jujy, Loroga Roenton, and others.
The Knights Moralis
The Knights Moralis, also known as the Order of Moral Spellcasting, is a subsidiary agency to the Assembly, specifically its law enforcement branch. Members are assigned to track any abuse of magic and hunt down perpetrators and victims for memory erasure. Easthies, Luluci, Utowin, Galga, Ekoh, and Etlan are twin juvenile Knight apprentices who have yet to take their profession seriously.
Others
Others include Nolnoa, Tartah, Euini, Dagda, King Deanreldy Ezrest, Prince Eoleo Ezrest, and Queen Zayamaia Ezrest. Each member has their own unique abilities and talents, and their roles in the Assembly and the Knights Moralis are crucial in maintaining the balance between magic and society.
In conclusion, the Witches’ Assembly, the Knights Moralis, and the other characters in the world play significant roles in the magical world. They help maintain the secrecy and control of magic, while also fostering friendships and understanding among the members.
Witch Hat Atelier Anime
The series, announced in April 2022, will be adapted into an anime and television series by Bug Films, directed by Ayumu Watanabe, and set to premiere in 2025. Official Release Trailor is given below.
Final Thoughts
Witch Hat Atelier, a Japanese manga series by Kamome Shirahama, follows Coco, a girl who dreams of becoming a witch. However, only innate magical users can practice magic. Coco meets a witch named Qifrey, who teaches her how to use magic. After accidentally casting a spell that turns her mother into stone, Coco is taken as his apprentice to undo the spell. The Brimmed Caps, a sinister coven, take an interest in Coco, hoping she will revive the free use of magic. Coco embarks on a magical journey to save her mother, learning that her magical dream may not be as far away as it seems. Crunchyroll will stream the series worldwide outside of Asia.
